Inside the Spring and Autumn Bell.
A light snow had begun to fall upon the world.
Usually, it didn’t snow in Qingyang Province. At most, there would be a few bouts of light rain that left the air damp and chilly, making people want to bury their heads deep into their padded coats.
But this winter seemed to be an exception.
Gu Xian’yu exhaled a breath of hot air and sheathed her sword. A thin layer of snow covered the courtyard. From the beginning of winter to its peak, Jiang Tong’s current slumber had lasted nearly two months.
“Honestly, you’re not a bear, Master. Why are you hibernating?”
She grumbled to herself, burying half of her face into her thick, padded coat. Like a little bear, she stepped onto the snowy ground, the thicker patches of snow occasionally letting out a crisp *crunch* beneath her feet.
Returning to the house, Gu Xian’yu began to cook porridge.
The recipe was one Jiang Tong had taught her. She brewed some warming spiritual medicine, adding red dates, and millet. Drinking a bowl of it on a winter morning felt incredibly comforting.
After finishing her porridge, she patted her stomach and went to Guanye Lake to gather water weeds. Her technique had improved significantly compared to before.
Based on the growth habits of the weeds and algae, Gu Xian’yu had solemnly drawn a diagram showing the order in which to gather them, treating it as if it were a sacred profession.
Jiang Tong had given her the nickname “Water Weed Immortal.”
‘What kind of immortal…’
Gu Xian’yu pouted.
She hadn’t become an immortal yet. After these past two months, she had only just reached the late stage of Foundation Establishment.
It was just that after her Sword Fetus underwent its transformation, she looked much better than before, though her shoulders felt a bit sore.
Gu Xian’yu looked down; she could no longer see the tips of her toes. Her cheeks flushed a slight shade of red.
Hmph.
‘He doesn’t even want such a good and obedient disciple. Master, where exactly did you go!’
The more Gu Xian’yu thought about it, the angrier she became. Crouching by the lakeside, she picked up a stone and tossed it into the water with a *plop*.
“Stinky Master.”
“You won’t wake up, and you’re ignoring me!”
“Stinky Master, stinky Master… You didn’t even answer when I asked if I looked good last time.”
“I hate Master the most!”
The young girl puffed out her cheeks and threw several more stones before standing up indignantly.
As she turned around, however, she bumped into something soft, white, and fluffy.
“Ma—Master?” Gu Xian’yu felt a bit guilty. “Why did you suddenly wake up?”
“I thought I heard someone worrying about me.” Jiang Tong was smiling. “Xian’yu, were you nagging about your Master?”
“I… I was.” The girl’s eyes darted around. “I was wondering why Master hadn’t woken up yet. I was worried about you.”
“Good disciple.” Jiang Tong patted her head “appreciatively.”
The young disciple winced in pain and clutched her head piteously, tears welling in the corners of her eyes.
“Master, your hits hurt so much now…”
“It’s supposed to hurt.” Jiang Tong was in a great mood. “Heh heh. Let’s see if you dare speak ill of your Master again.”
Two months had passed. Under the nourishment of the Spring and Autumn Bell and the souls he had previously consumed, Jiang Tong’s wisp of divine sense had become increasingly solid.
Now, he could transform into a round, white, fluffy phantom.
It seemed that the day he could take human form was just around the corner.
The young disciple let out a “hmph.” Her eyes sparkled, and her hands felt itchy with curiosity as she reached out to touch Jiang Tong.
“Master, why have you turned into this?”
Jiang Tong teased her: “Do you like it?”
“I… I don’t!” The girl quickly shook her head, hiding half of her blushing face. Like a curious little bear, she touched him while murmuring under her breath.
“Master, you look like a ball right now…”
“Master feels so good, so soft, hehe.”
“…” Jiang Tong felt like a toy being kneaded and squeezed.
“Huh.” The girl stopped moving and blinked her eyes. “Why is there a little tail here?”
“Xian’yu, don’t touch things randomly.”
Jiang Tong’s soul body shivered, and he sucked the tail back into his body, turning into a simple white ball.
Being touched by his disciple for too long made him feel a bit ticklish.
“Fine, I won’t touch it…” The girl pulled back her hand dejectedly and whispered, “Stingy Master.”
“What did you say?”
“I didn’t say anything.”
Gu Xian’yu shook her head hurriedly. Remembering something, she pointed toward Guanye Lake. “Master, look! Am I impressive?”
Jiang Tong glanced at Guanye Lake and was somewhat surprised.
This girl… she had clearly been working hard during the two months he was away.
Compared to the murky, green water from the beginning, it was now much clearer. At the very least, various types of algae were no longer floating on the surface; it was gradually starting to look like a vibrant lake.
Jiang Tong’s gaze softened as he looked at his little disciple, who was eagerly waiting for praise.
“Very impressive.”
Receiving praise made the girl very happy. She lifted her feet and began walking around the perimeter of the lake.
She would encircle the lake with her footprints, so the entire area would belong to her and her Master.
Light snow fell onto her hair and shoulders.
Her eyes were bright and clear.
“Master…”
“Hmm?”
“Next spring, once we’ve finished cleaning the lake, we can build a small courtyard.”
Jiang Tong smiled. “You’ve already thought that far ahead?”
The girl blinked. “It’s not far at all. I’ve even fixed that stone monument.”
“How capable.” Jiang Tong patted her head, and the little disciple narrowed her eyes comfortably.
She said, “We’ll build our courtyard right next to it, okay?”
“Okay.”
Jiang Tong responded to every word.
Gu Xian’yu was in a bright mood. Dressed in her thick white coat, she spun around a few times with her hands behind her back, leaving a trail of crooked footprints in the snow.
Jiang Tong floated slowly beside her. The human and the soul walked in the snow for a long time.
Eventually, the girl stopped. She stared at the lake, seemingly lost in thought.
“What is it?” Jiang Tong asked.
“Master, I’ve decided.” she said seriously. “I want to build the courtyard in a perfect circle.”
“A circle?” Seeing her serious expression, Jiang Tong couldn’t help but smile, as if watching a child play house. “Is a square courtyard not good?”
Gu Xian’yu shook her head. “Squares don’t have a good meaning.”
Jiang Tong looked at her, puzzled. The little disciple stared at the lake water and spoke softly, “Round, a circle…”
Her eyes crinkled into a smile. “I want to be together and whole with Master…”
Something gently tugged at his heart.
Jiang Tong froze for a few seconds. Looking at the girl’s smiling profile, happiness seemed written across her face.
“Alright,” he smiled too. “Together and whole.”
In the winter of Year 279, snow filled the air over Guanye Lake.
Snowflakes gathered on black hair, gradually blurring the vision. It felt as if only the girl’s smile remained in the entire world.
—
Holy Soul Sect.
A dark figure sat cross-legged, his fingers moving in calculation.
As he moved, souls didn’t even have time to scream before they were turned into wisps of soul power, flowing into the formation.
A moment later, he opened his eyes, a cold light flickering within them.
“The Sword Fetus has appeared and completed its first transformation. I have finally captured a sliver of heavenly secret. Unfortunately… it is not here in the Holy Sect.”
The dark figure looked thoughtful and sighed.
“The war against the righteous path is about to begin. If we obtain it, it will be a massive help.”
He slowly stood up and looked toward Qingyang Province. The light of the secret chamber fell upon his face.
If any member of the righteous path were here, they would recognize him instantly—he was the Sect Master of the Holy Soul Sect, Shen Dingyi.
A moment later, a voice boomed from the secret chamber, spreading to every corner of the Holy Soul Sect.
“Pass down the order: the Sword Fetus has appeared within the territory of Qingyang Province. All disciples must pay attention and find the one possessing it.”
“Additionally, invite the Sect Masters of the various Great Holy Sects to the Holy Soul Sect to discuss the matters of starting the war.”
Inside the secret chamber, Shen Dingyi stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze profound.
“The Holy Soul Sect… it is time to make a move.”